{Vendor Spotlight} Alexis Sweet Photography

Drum roll please!!! Today's Vendor Spotlight is Alexis Sweet Photography, whom I have become very good friends with. Alexis will be the photographer for one of my upcoming weddings here in Savannah and she will be taking their engagement session very soon (I'll be the doggie sitter since the couple MUST include their adorable two corgis, but will also be taking some pictures san-doggies). Alexis was also the amazing photographer behind the Bohemian Beach Styled Shoot that we recently just finished which combined many talented Savannah area vendors - pictures and post to come, don't worry! 

Grab your coffee, sit back and enjoy our little Q & A.....

Layla: Which are your 5 favorite images and why? 

Alexis: I couldn't possibly choose favorites. Instead, I offer 5 wedding images that I enjoy and am proud of.

1) This photo was taken in the hotel lobby as we were waiting for the car to come around to take us to the ceremony. I love that the bride has a look of both confidence and nervousness at the same time. Her mother was holding her train for her in the background with such a wonderful expression of pride and contentment. I am such a sucker for beautiful window light and the lobby of the Bohemian provides a beautiful example of the best kind.

2) This wedding had been running behind all day. We had planned to do shots for 45 minutes on the beach after, but I ended up with only having the couple for 5 minutes right before the reception for their portraits. This couple was sweet and quiet. The wedding schedule was so crazy, but the entire time the couple exuded a quiet calm. It was evident that this was the way they loved each other too. I thought this photo captured that calmness beautifully. 

3) This super fun couple (mentioned in a further question) was willing to do anything for their portraits. I love when I get couples like that. This bride trudged right into the surf to get this photo. When she pushed him up on the rock and kissed him it was all her, not a hint of direction from me. He just loved it. He said to me he had finally snagged his mermaid. This photo is also in a way the birth of my current style. The beautiful creamy luminescent quality was a happy accident that I now try to carry through a lot my editing process. 

4) This was from a simple elopement wedding. The couple tied the knot in a very quick ceremony in one of the sqaures and we headed off on a sunset walk through downtown. I saw this railing and the beautiful light and directed them to it. I suggested he kiss her cheek and as he did, she moved right into it and gave this beautiful expression. It was like his kiss was just as warm and inviting as the sunset.

5)  This was taken just before they were announced as husband and wife and kissed. As the moment drew close they both became so excited that they began swinging their arms back and forth in anticipation. Their smiles went from being big to being mega-watt. I connect with the total adoration you can see in the bride's eyes when she looks at her man. 

Layla: What makes you laugh?

 

Alexis: 80's teen movies like Better Off Dead and Just One of the Guys, awkward moments, and I always burst out in uproarious laughter when I fall down.

Layla: What do you find enjoyable?

Alexis: I enjoy fall air, my dog Molly (when she isn't destroying my house), a quality sandwich from the likes of Starland Cafe, the city of Chicago, and bees wax candles. 

Layla: What are you most proud of?

Alexis: I am most proud of myself. I have come a long way to get from point A to point B in my life. While I have a long way to go to get to Z (although I'm pretty sure only folks like Nelson Mandela or Ghandi make it to Z), I'm proud of who I am now and how I am learning to handle what life throws at me.  

Layla: How would you describe your style?

Alexis: Its a bit of a grab bag when it comes to my wedding work. My work seems to polarize between really fluid candid shots and editorial portraits. This really seems to work for me though. The candids pull at my documentary heartstrings, while the editorial style adds a little extra gloss and polish. I find that it suits the task of capturing a wedding very well. I often remind myself throughout a wedding day "shoot the story, then shoot it prettier". 

Layla: How did you get started in photography?

Alexis: I got started in high school with a fabulous teacher. He imparted in me the importance of composition and light and I was immediately hooked. It was the darkroom aspect that sucked me in at first. Something about watching the image I captured slowly appear on the paper while it was in the developer. That was like poetry to me. I made a misguided attempt at studying Classics in college, but after a year and a half transferred to an arts and media school to pursue a photography degree. 

Layla: When did you start your business?

 

Alexis: I've been working freelance for the last 10 years. It wasn't until I moved to Savannah that I thought of pursuing wedding photography. In fact, I didn't think I would enjoy it. Thankfully I was wrong and I absolutely love it. I've been doing it now for about 3 years. 

Layla: What has been your favorite/most memorable wedding thus far?

Alexis: This is a tough one. All of the weddings I shoot end up taking up a small space inside me. I get emotionally attached to the couples and the amazing experience they are having, so picking a favorite is nearly impossible. I do have to say that an extra fun wedding I shot was when I was first starting out. It was a simple budget wedding out on Tybee. The bride and groom were laid back and total jokers. They were totally comfortable and up for trying anything during their portraits. Their friends and family were just as fun and by the end of the night the bride was doing keg stands and the groom had on a lobster hat. That was a fun wedding. It taught me that you don't have to have expensive details or flowers to provide a great memorable time for yourselves and your guests. 

Thank you Alexis!!
Don't forget to check out her website at www.alexissweetphotography.com or facebook page or email her alexis.l.sweet@gmail.com

{Real Wedding} Ezella & Elijah

Are you ready for some swagger!? This wedding we planned was filled with so much LOVE and major swagger. The bride was very involved in all the wedding details from creating the flower arrangements, invitations, and making the little Tiffany favor boxes. We were hired on as the month-of coordination and met at the Richmond Hill City Center Elegance in the Park Bridal Show. It was such a gorgeous day for an outside ceremony and then the guests were welcomed into the elegant reception ballroom with teal up-lighting and danced the night away! Everyone had a wonderful night and when guests are happy, we are happy!! Here is the list of vendors who helped make this wedding a success and more pictures of the wedding details...enjoy!

Coordination: Simply Savannah Events/All the Little Details Designs
Ceremony & Reception Location: Richmond Hill City Center
Photographer: Studio Caesura (Erin Piepgrass) 
Hair Dresser: Upscale Hair Salon
Makeup Artist: Sharita Janay
Florist: Bride Wedding 
Cake/Dessert: Addy B’s Cakes
Lighting: Advanced Audio/Visual Rentals
Officiant: Rev. Marilyn Odom 
Reception Music: DJ Adam Kelley 
Transportation: Coastal Limousine

Eco-friendly details: handmade favors for guests, ceremony & reception in the same location which is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) registered facility, flowers bought directly, and handmade centerpieces for flower arrangements. 

{Vendor Spotlight} Taken Photography

Today, I would like to introduce you to Alicja Colon, a very talented photographer from Savannah.

Sparkle | Color | Flash | Dynamic

 

Those four words would definitely describe Alicja of Taken Photography! Other words to describe Taken's work are dramatic, beautiful, and emotion capturing. I am thrilled to have met Alicja and get to know her as a friend. I prefer to meet with all my vendors in person to allow that connection and relationship to form. Just looking at someone's website and emailing them does not create a good bond. I want to make sure that if I refer a client to a professional vendor that I know they are quality. Alicja is QUALITY but also such a caring talented woman. Alicja was nice enough to answer a few questions for my blog post to help y’all get to know her a little better!

Layla: Which are your 5 favorite images and why? 

1) oh my heart - I just look at this and swoon. This image was taken in the Bahamas for fellow photographer, Melissa (of foreverphotographers.com) the Bride. We were on the dock, sun going down. The couple just signed their marriage license, which in the Bahamas HAS to be signed before the sunset. I love how John, the groom, took his bride in his arms and assertively gave his woman a kiss. I love how Melissa cherished it.  

2) During the first dance - there was SO much emotion. This couple has lots to deal with the day of their outside wedding - RAIN. But I love for they overcame and re-focused on what was important: Their love.

3) I lean towards the sexy side of things. We did lots of photos outside, in a playground - but I knew... He is a firefighter (he had to be smokin' under his shirt), and just look how cute she is! I saw a leather couch and a red pillow. Yes, we have to do sexy. So blessed to have clients up for anything :)

4) Love the innocent moment: fun, flirty, and sweet. Jessica, the hottie, was shy of taking photos in a pretty public place. To lighten the mood I was reassuring that no one was looking, "except that guy" and they busted out in sweet laughter. Ahhh - the moments <3

5) Vanessa-a vixen in Miami. She saved for a year to do this glam shoot. When we meet I knew she was ready to rock & roll! I mean look at those red lips-HOT! I love the light, motion, and the confidence our hottie has! 

Layla: What makes you laugh?

Alicja: Really embarrassing moments - like when I go bowling and swing my arm back and accidentally let the ball go. I heard that forward is better, but I like to keep things interesting : ) 

Layla: What do you find enjoyable?

Alicja: Trying to get my one-year-old to dance. It's really not hard. When anything with a beat comes on goes in dancing diva mode - full with hip shaking, shrugging shoulders, and hand waving. Yes, I gave her a few pointers.  

Layla: What are you most proud of? 

Alicja: I guess this has nothing to do with me - but I'm most proud of the opportunity to be a professional photographer. Humbly I thank Jesus for the gift to get to know others and serve them in this way.  

Layla: When did you start Taken?

Alicja: In Miami, about 2 years ago. Before that I was operating under Alicja Colon Photography, for a year in Savannah, but no one knew who to spell Alicja or Colon - pronounced "Cologne." That's what happens when a Polish girl marries a Puerto Rican. 

Layla: How would you describe your style?

Alicja: Fashion-forward documentary. I'm very into color, contrast, and emotion. It's a perfect combination because when a moment happens I capture it as it happen. But I can also pose the couple, bridal party, or parents in a way that's natural and communicates deep emotion. 

Layla: What do you do when you are not photographing weddings?

Alicja: Right now designing logos for fellow photographers and picking colors of the house we're building. But always drinking coffee. YUM! 

Layla: Finish this sentence: 

Alicja: I am ... in need of a date with the beauty salon!  

My passion is ... aesthetics! If I'm involved, it has to look fierce.

My favorite moment in weddings is...The first dance! I love listening to music while watching the groom sing to his bride. And then kiss afterwards, many times, rivals the first kiss!  

Layla: What are your accolades:

Alicja: Taken's weddings are have been feature of varying wedding internet publications. That's very exciting! Each time I get blown away at the response of the images I get to craft.

♥ Blessfully Taken 2012 ♥

This is her 3rd year offering the Blessfully Taken contest where Alicja will give away FREE 8 hours of wedding photographic services, 8x12 luxury, hand-crafted album {custom selected leather cover}, DVD of web-ready album images, and online gallery of wedding images for the winner who has been nominate as a Bride-to-be who deserves this luxurious gift. 

Alicja has the BIGGEST ♥ !

 

Thank you Alicja!!
Don't forget to check out her website at  http://www.taken-photography.com